If you log into E-ops and check out the idea bank, you can search many alumnae programs by region, city etc. See which ones are popular, what they did to host them etc. The e-ops database is where I put the entire alumnae calendar for my chapter as well as reports on the attendance/success of each event. This is required of all alumnae (and collegiate!) chapters to be in good standing.
http://eops.deltagamma.org/
As an alum member of a group for several years I can give you some ideas:
--download the listings of alumnae in your area and find out the age brackets and areas they live in
--plan events that appeal to all ages (i.e. don't always meet in a bar/restaurant/home). Typically the bar scene is only popular under say 25
--plan events for a set day of the month (say every second Tuesday) and at the same time--don't let it be a moving target
--events with food are always winners! we did a wine tasting, chocolate, cooking demo etc
--incorporate a little foundation in every event, even if it is just mentioning something you saw on the dg site. Share Alumnae Anchorline newsletters, pass out shop and share coupons etc (if your grocery stores do those)
--email people and set up a phone tree. I find emails are grossly out of date for anything ending in .edu--collegiate emails always bounce for me.
--Check with your regional director--she has copies of all the newsletters for alumnae chapters within your region. Or contact them directly via email and get them to send you a copy to get ideas (email me and I can send you mine).
--involve the collegians--can you meet once in the chapter house? Alumnae like to come back and see "what's happened to the place"--have the girls give the alum a tour?
--SouthernLiving at Home/PartyLite/Longaberger baskets--don't go crazy with these as they are $$$ but one a year is good for interest
--Send out a survey via email to your member list and ask them what they are interested in! Or not interested in!
Here is my site--click the calendar for events ideas:
http://www.geocities.com/deltagammaalumnae/